The Recap: Elestra was kissing Damien after kissing Flauvic. Both guys declared that they were Mr. Mysterious and Elestra apparently believed Damien more.

[W/R] Read it! Trust me it'll be worth it. Don't stop reading it in the middle or start flaming me so quickly, because then you won't understand what was going on. Trust me, just read it through.

--------------------------------------------Elestra's POV------------------------------------------------------------

I broke away from the kiss finally and we both turned to look at Flauvic, who stood there crestfallen and frozen in shock and perhaps hurt.

"Aww, did I hurt your poor little feelings, Flauvic?" I asked, tauntingly.

He said nothing.

"I think you've shocked the fool stiff," Damien stated, cruelly.

A malicious smile spread across my features. I whispered something in Damien's ear and soon enough, the evil smile spread across his face as well. In no time at all, we ran over to Flauvic, knocked him to the ground. Through teamwork, Damien and I dragged Flauvic on the hot sand toward the ocean and threw him in the cold waters. We pinned his body and head down. Big bubbles foamed on the waters surface. He thrashed so much, water drenching my body and Damien's again, and we could barely hold Flauvic down, but two people were better than one and Flauvic had no chance. He lost air quickly with his attempts to escape and breathe. Soon, he was turning blue and then he stilled.

"Aww that's it?" I asked with a childish pout. "I would think a legendary scoundrel like him would have put up more of a fight."

Damien laughed, "What would you expect from a flop like him."

We both got off the dead Flauvic. I kicked Flauvic, cold and dead body, flipping him over. His eyes were still open and in it held the remnants of his shocked feelings. Sand stuck on him and bits of seaweed wrapped around him. An empty clamshell was pressed onto the center of his forehead. With a giggle, I waved and said,

"Goodbye Flauvic, dearest."

With that I grasp Damien's arm with mine, linking our arms together. Joyfully, we started skipping back home for our work was done and we were happy together finally.

The End!

[W/R] MWHAHAHAHA!!! I'm so evil!!!! And it's fun!!! Lol. Okay, that was just to scare Rhexi for killing one of her characters in her fanfic [before reviving him later on]. It was all a joke, don't worry. None of the above happened and has no connection to the fanfic. It was just for fun and a little exercise for me to get writing. Without you reviewers, I most likely would have ended this crappy story like that. I hope no one wants to kill me now, since I haven't ended it like such. Lol. Now to the real story. Have fun reading the real stuff and don't forget to read and review!!!! BEWARE IT IS SO MUCH MUCH MUCH LONGER THAN USUAL!!!! Probably best, if you stop in between to rest your eyes or something.

If you haven't read the revised version of chapter 14, please do so, before reading this chapter. Remember, 100 reviews will bring about an epilogue for this story and an original poem by yours truly will also be featured in it too. So REVIEW!!!

-The Real Chapter Fifteen-

The Real Final Recap: Both Flauvic and Lord Damien have claimed that they are Mr. Mysterious. At the end of the last chapter, Elestra boldly went to Damien and kissed him, right in front of FLAUVIC, after FLAUVIC KISSED ELESTRA. Is she a "loose" woman? Is she not as innocent as she seems? Continue reading and you'll see. This is the "showdown" between the good & evil? Round & round the world goes, who will win Elestra's heart, nobody knows [but me, lol. -].

---------------------------------------------Elestra's POV------------------------------------------------------------------

I strode over to Damien, practically running to him. I clutched to him and hugged him, placing my head on his shoulder. A few droplets of my tears fell to his shirt. With a deep and calming breath, I lifted my head and looked to his puzzled, but happy face. A face I had so trusted and a person that I had grown to care about. I placed my hands beneath his chin and leaned into him, kissing him with as much passion as I could muster. It took a few seconds, but he finally started kissing me back, his hands sliding down the back of my gown and pressing me to him. I let him do so with no resistance and with no hesitation. He made soft moans, as he kissed me. It felt right to be in his arms. That is if I didn't know better, if Flauvic hadn't shown me the truth. Told me that he was tricking me with his illusions and other manipulative ways. Damien's tongue was practically down my throat, as he deepened this kiss of ours and I felt sick. Oh, the things I must do to be the heroine. I thought, fighting the urge to vomit. Finally, I couldn't take anymore and those hands of his were moving precariously lower down my back. I pulled away from the vile, manipulative creature that once was my friend and gave him an uppercut. I can't believe I forgot my mission just for an imposter. I must be as naïve as Flauvic seems me as. He fell backwards from the momentum of the blow for he wasn't quick enough to dodge my attack, as was I not quick enough to prevent him pulling me down along with him. I fell down upon him with all the air knocked out of my lungs. I started to get off him when he cried out a spell.

"Oscuridad, tire ella lejos!" [W/R: Spanish for: Darkness, throw her far away.]

The winds wrapped me in its cool, strong grasp and threw me with great force, high up into the air. My hair whipped everywhere and I was literally flying up. I would have enjoyed such an experience too, if I had control over it. It was too soon before gravity took hold and I was descending back down at a quick pace. I slammed down into something. Around me, the sand flew up in a hazy cloud. The impetus of the throw caused me to slide, letting the sand drive into my skin and scratch my whole right side. I winced, as some particles went into my eyes, stinging them and some grains went into my mouth and nose, making me cough uncontrollably. It took a few seconds before I was sitting on something that wasn't the sandy ground, shocking my coughing fit to a stop and that something groaned in pain, since I still sat upon his body.

"Flauvic," I gasped. He must have tried to soften the landing with his body. Life, what have I gotten us into. "I'm sorry. Are you okay? I didn't mean to land on you. Life, so sorry!"

"You're still sitting on me," he told me.

"Oh, sorry again."

I scrambled off him, getting up, only to feel a sharp, shooting pain at my ankle. I winced as I shifted my weight off the afflicted leg and lifting my skirts a little, to examine if my ankle was broken. Slightly red in coloring and swelling immensely, I grimaced at the sight of it. The good thing was that it wasn't broken. The bad thing was that it was strained, thus a burden upon Flauvic to get us out of this mess, not that I was going to let him save the day while I lounged around like a damsel in distress.

"You stay here," Flauvic commanded of me, breaking my analysis of my ankle.

"I'm perfectly fine," I hastily said, lowering my skirts and trying to look lopsided with my unbalanced weight. I wasn't going to admit to him that I needed his help so easily.

I was rewarded with a nasty reverberating pain in my leg and an ungraceful and very feminine fall into Flauvic's arms.

"If you are perfectly fine, the skies are rainbow colors." Flauvic retorted, steadying me, so that I could sit down, which I protested in doing, but in the end, I was sitting down.

"Awww, sorry to interrupt this lover's spat," Damien said, sarcastically," But I have a world to take over and both of you to kill off."

Flauvic stepped in front of me, blocking my view of Damien and vice versa.

"Always with the world domination plans for you baddies," I said, leaning to look at Damien.

"It's a traditional decree in the circle of scoundrels, didn't you know, Elestra?" Flauvic said, jokingly without turning around to face me.

Damien looked a bit miffed that Flauvic and I were playing around in a time such as this and instigated the first attack, a spell of some sort, which Flauvic expertly countered and followed up with an attack spell, causing Damien to dodge away. This attacks and counters led Damien away from me, which I felt that Flauvic deliberately did to keep me from interfering and from getting hurt. It's not as if I can handle myself, even with this strain. Steps right. Steps left. Back and forth. From Damien to Flauvic and Flauvic to Damien. Defense spells. Attack spells. Physical attacks. Physical blocks. Jumps and dodges. Twists and turns. My eyes followed their movements and I tried to figure a pattern in Damien's fighting style, though it was a bit difficult with the involvement of magic, which raised my discomfort level. My eyes saw a couple hazy spots from the bright a quick flashes of light, following most of the spells. I knew soon that both would use up their magical energy and that would leave them both vulnerable. What'll happen then? It could be my chance to end everything. I thought with worry. Eventually, the amount of flashing lights of spells lessened and it was obvious that both their magical energies were all pretty much spent. Both were weakening and it was easy to see in their attacks and stances. Fatigue plagued them both, sweat ran down their bodies and their breaths were labored. All the same, both were still tensed and ready to continue, but I wondered just how long that'd last. A bright flash erupted in Damien's hands and I saw the sword that he had summoned, out of thin air, in his hands. The sharp metal glinted in the sun's rays. It looked heavy and well made, though it was plainly decorated. I was surprised that Damien had that much energy left to hold such a thing in a magical and physical sense.

"Surprised, old man?" Damien asked grinning.

"Not really. A joke like you always has to have some tricks up your sleeves."

"Ha," He barked. "You're just jealous that you don't know any summoning spells."

"Maybe I do," Flauvic replied with a cunning grin.

"If you did, why didn't you summon Elestra to you, instead of this way? Would have saved you."

Silence followed his words and Damien grinned just because he knew a little more in these magical arts than Flauvic or so he assumed.

"Come on, it's time for the real fighting," Damien said, moving into a ready stance.

"It's not really fair, if you have a sword and Flauvic doesn't." I cried out.

I'm done observing. I stood up, testing how much weight I could put on my leg and the chances I'd come out of the fight alive with this injury.

"Don't even think about helping, Elestra!" Flauvic suddenly called out without looking at me.

Huh? How did he- Man, he's creepy. My thoughts were interrupted, as Damien used his sword on the offensive. I breathed a sigh in relief, as Damien jumped over the blade aimed at his legs.

"I'm not going let you die for me." I cried back to him, hoping I wasn't distracting him from the fight.

"Oh no, you're not going to be rid of me that easily!" He replied, joking.

How could he be joking in a time like this, I thought with worry coursing through me.

"That's what he thinks," Damien said with a grin.

"I'm always up for a challenge," Flauvic replied with another dodge from the sword's touch. The blade sliced air, time after time, as Flauvic used his agility to defend him. It was the only thing he could do, unless he knocked the sword from Damien's grasp and that was unlikely for Damien's grip upon it was so strong and tight that it looked as if indentation on the thick metal would form soon. Out of the blue, Damien's attack speed quickened and I could see his true fighting style. From my eyes, I could see that he left no openings for Flauvic to take advantage of. The air whistled around the sword at each attack and sand blew out of its way every time he missed his target. Amazingly enough, Flauvic had dodged everything. I just didn't know how long he could hold out and just how long would his luck hold. My gut clenched every time the sword was lifted and my heart jumped every time the blade fell. A stalemate was what it was. Both equals in strength, but not in ethics, apparently. Suddenly, I found Damien's sword coming directly down upon him, too quick and strong for Flauvic to dodge away.

"Flauvic, watch out," I screamed warningly, before I had turn away.

I couldn't watch. This couldn't be the end, the end of Flauvic. After a couple seconds, I turned back and widened at the sight.

"Flauvic, you're not DEAD!!!" I cried out happily.

"Of course not, woman. Have you no faith in me?" He replied.

I knew that along with the comment he was rolling his eyes though I couldn't see his face.

"Says the person under the sharp edge of a sword." I retorted.

He snorted in response. Though he was not dead, he would not last much longer. His hands held the blunt side of the sword and slowly it moved to the sharp side of the blade, as he tried to push it away from his body beneath it. Blood started staining the blade a crimson color, as the edge cut into his pale skin. Impulsively, I grabbed a couple of empty shells and chucked it at Damien. I mean, I had to do something.

"Come on, Damien. He's not your problem, I am." I yelled, tauntingly.

"What, the bloody hell, do you think you are doing?!?!" Flauvic cried, bending slightly under the pressure.

"Disobeying your bloody wishes," I replied to him.

"Feisty whore, you got there, huh, Flauvic." Commented Damien with a disgusting smile.

His words and voice was different, more rough and harsh. More rude and nasty. The total opposite as to the Lord Damien that I had thought I had known. He must have split personalities or something.

"Just hurry up and die," He replied, ignoring the rude insult from Damien towards me.

I amazingly had also held my tongue upon hearing such words about me, though my mind was not as in control, reeling with silenced insults and curses, courtesy of the soldiers' loud conversations between one another.

"After you, Flauvic."

With that Damien, kneed my so-called rescuer and knocked him out with a sharp blow from his elbow. He was about to decapitate him when I drew his attention away when I yelled his name.

"Damien," I shouted. "Just leave Flauvic alone. I'm your problem, remember? I'm the one able to stand in the way between you and getting Raea's lands. Kill me, not him!"

"You won't be standing much longer, wench." He replied, lifting the sword further away from Flauvic's pale neck. "I'd like to repay you for all you've done as well."

"Why don't we make it more interesting? If I win, you release me and Flauvic from wherever we are and leave Rhianna's family and everything alone, that is considering if you are still alive after. If you win, you'll get what you want anyway." I proclaimed, walking closer to him without limping...much.

"As if I won't get what I want no matter what, even if you were win, a possibility, which I know to be impossible. If you surrender now, I'll keep you around as my plaything, how about that? I might even humor you and leave that pathetic excuse for a man alive, seeing as that you seem to have an attachment to him."

"Whatever," I replied coolly, though underneath my cold, emotionless façade, I was burning with embarrassment that anyone would think there was anything between us. However, in a way, there was something between us during our previous relationship with him being Mr. Mysterious and everything. I cast away all emotions, all thoughts, all distractions, forgetting about the screaming pain in my leg. Mind over matter. I had to concentrate on the impending clash of forces, the fight that could leave me dead sooner than I had desired.

We circled, eyes locked. I knew he could use his magic and I would be vulnerable to it, but using anymore of his magical energies would deplete his storage of it and could potentially kill him. I thought him smart, so I had faith that he wouldn't use any spells against me, all courtesy of Flauvic's draining of their powers earlier.

"Not really just, don't you think? I mean with me worn from the brawl with Flauvic." Stated Damien.

"When were you one to call out what's just," I replied, questioningly. "Have you ever thought about such a concept? Do you even believe in such?"

"Why, of course, especially when it pertains to me."

I shook my head.

"If you are so concerned about this fairness, my amateur fighting abilities evens everything out, don't you think."

"Perhaps."

"On with it then," I said.

"Ladies first," He replied with a mock bow to me.

I managed a small imitation of laughter. From the previous fight, I had a sense of his fighting style, but I didn't want to get ahead of myself. I had to make sure, especially because of what was at stake. There was no way, I would rush this. This was no dueling practice in one of the training grounds, back at home.

"I insist that you start. Anyways, who says I doubt I'm much of a lady to get initiated or involve myself in such matters as these."

He smirked and feigned a lunge at my left, before sweeping down, aiming at my legs with the sword. A trick, I expected and expertly dodged it or as expertly as I could with my ankle smarting. He raised an eyebrow at me and I think that his impression of my fighting ability went up a notch. As the fighting dance between us progressed, I forgot all about my injury and only thought about survival. There were no more quips and remarks between us, as we found that we were nearly equally matched. My muscles started to scream, since I had not warmed up before the fight and I had not practiced enough during my so-called relaxing time over in Raea. Damien nicked me a few times, but nothing to serious yet. I gave him a bloody nose, but it wasn't serious either. More blood stained the whitish-yellow sand, forming clumps of red, white, and yellow. Grit clung to my clothing and me. Occasionally, some flying particles would fly into my mouth and eyes, distracting me a bit, which was quite irritating. A groan emitted during the fight drew my attention away from my combat mindset and I nearly paid for it with my life.

"Why don't we keep the sleepyhead over there from interrupting us," Damien suggested.

I nodded though not knowing just how Damien would do so. He took out a pouch, hanging on a cord around his neck, beneath his shirt. He opened it and I saw a white powdery substance. I tensed, thinking the worst.

"Not poison, I assure you." Damien said, amusement glinting in his eyes.

"Yeah, sure, that makes me feel better."

He shrugged, knowing there was nothing he could do to persuade me to believe him now.

"It's just a little something that will create a barrier and keep people out and some people in. Understand?"

I nodded, watching him like a hawk as he circled around Flauvic. When the circle was complete, he muttered something and it seemed nothing happened. I hoped Flauvic was all right and that he wouldn't be too mad when he wakes up.

"All done," He replied casually, as if we were just talking over tea and not dueling over Raea's future. "Now, let's continue."

This must be the weirdest situation anyone has been in.

"You didn't kill him or anything, did you?" I asked, suspiciously.

"And risk your wrath?" He said, shaking his head. "No, no tricks, at least not yet."

Oddly, I believed him and nodded for the both of us to continue. I had more agility than he did and more flexibility. He however had brute strength and a weapon to aid him. I had to overcome his strengths with my own and when disadvantaged, I remember my mother saying that surprise was key, in these situations. Here's goes everything, I thought. The sword came down at me. If I wanted to survive, I had to act and act fast. I grabbed the sword, like Flauvic had done with the blade cutting my skin as well, but unlike him, I also brought my knee up and kneed him, twisting the sword away from his grasp and away from my elevated knee. Somehow, by some miracle, his grasp slipped from the hilt of the sword, but from my grasp, as well, falling a few feet away. The only thing I could do was try to choke him to death, which was unlikely or knock him unconscious. He struggled against me, before tripping me onto my back by just kicking my hurt ankle. I fell backwards with his weight on top of me, before I could hurt him or squeal at my smarting pain. A valiant effort, possibly, but I was so death meat now, not that I was giving up hope entirely.

"Let go of me," I commanded, squirming under his heavy weight.

I could barely breathe with so much pressure upon my body. I couldn't get from underneath him. I only dug myself deeper into my body's imprint from my fall.

"Why would I do that when I can practically taste victory, wench?"

I snorted and in turn, responded with all the insults I could think of, in the midst of trying to throw him from me. His body held me down, no matter what I did, but I kept kicking the sand, in my efforts to get out from under him.

"My, my," He said with mock shock. "What language from a princess!"

"Didn't you know," I replied. "I was never Princess material."

"Ah," He replied with gleaming eyes. "But you have the looks!"

"Can I vomit now," I asked, disgusted.

"After," He responded unfazed, his head lowering toward mine.

"Life!" I yelped, writhing all the more and turning my head away.

My stomach heaved, but didn't spill its contents, though it was close to. His hand on my chin, forced my mouth to look like a fish's mouth and his slobbering, vile mouth came down to meet mine with much resistance from me. His tongue invaded my mouth and rather than resisting, I accepted it and then, bit down and released the foul limb of his mouth. Surprised with my gift to him, he let out a curse, though it was garbled, because of his hurting tongue, but he wasn't surprised enough for my attempts at escape to succeed. A revolting metallic taste of blood stayed in my mouth and I spat his blood back to him, right to his face, another present to him for I just felt so generous towards him. He fumed, wiping his face on his sleeve, before slapping me with the base of his palm meeting my face first and his nails drawing blood from my cheek, before lifting away. My eyes stung and tears sprang up from the force of the blow, blurring my vision. Dazed As I was for a few precious seconds, he gripped my arm, in a viselike hold, dragging me up to his height. His other hand snaked around my throat, lifting me a few inches from the ground, before the lonely hand was joined with its brother, thumbs pressing expertly on my windpipe, just enough so that I got a little air, but not enough. I choked, gasping and coughing for air, as my feet kicked erratically, trying to kick him away and yank his hands away from my neck. My hands scratched and pulled at his wrists, not that he cared, not that it really made a difference for me.

"You're such a nutcase. I hope someone kills you eventually. If not me, I'll aid whoever can in death, if that may be the case. Did you really think I wanted a kiss to remember you by?" I said, hoarsely with what little air I had left.

He shrugged.

"It's been awhile, since I kissed anyone-"

"No surprise there," I replied, coughing when his grip tightened more.

"And your lips look just so tempting."

"And yours look so nasty and feels even worse!" I retorted.

"You didn't seem to think so earlier." He replied.

"Everyone makes mistakes." I whispered, the world becoming dimmer in my eyes.

"Do they?" He asked, mockingly. "Oh look, Flauvic's up. Just in time to see his mistake take her dying breath. Bet you're glad to know that the barrier around him is working oh so well."

My eyes looked in his direction and I could see him, pounding at the invisible walls, reminding me of those rare carnival mimes. My mind drifted then to the simpler times of my short life, as the lack of oxygen started to sink in. My coughing weakened along with my body. I could faintly see my childhood memories past by my eyes. I saw my family, my friends, the laughter, the carefree times, Flauvic's face the day I met him.

My hands dug deeper into his wrists, but he seemed to feel nothing, not even as my nails drew blood from his skin. Giving up on that idea, they moved onto the hands around my throat. Maybe, if I can pry his fingers far enough away, I can get more air or even get away , I thought, as I pulled a couple of his fingers backwards painfully.

He yelped in pain, involuntarily and with that shock of pain, he let go. I crashed to the sand by gravity's pull with a gasping breath of fresh air in my lungs, tainted slightly with the flying sand from the impact. I coughed, struggling to breathe in more air. My hands gently touched my neck, vaguely. My strength had ebbed away with my air earlier and it took me a few seconds to sit up, enough time for Delusional Damien a few yards away to get his sharp sword again.

"Come on," He commanded, lifting the sword's tip in an upwards manner. "Up, up, slut!"

I rather get away than obey his commands, he saw that and he pulled me up once again. Still weak, he easily held me against him, pinned in a way that I couldn't get away, even if I had the strength to. Raising my head slightly, I saw Flauvic. He looked crazy and if it were another situation, I would have been laughing my head off for he was so out of character. I could see his lips move, either yelling something or chanting something to release him from his unseen cage. Apparently, the barrier blocked sound, so I heard nothing. I mouthed an apology to him. To my surprise, I could start to see tear trails forming. Is my impending death hurting him so much? Then, Damien raised his sword to my poor abused neck, pressing gently, not breaking the skin yet.

"Say goodbye now, Elestra." Damien whispered in my ear.

I did no such thing. I just felt separated from my body, for I doubted that I could get away alive this time and I felt that I was only truly living in my mind, which was filled with thoughts of the random kind, as he pressed deeper into my skin, still not extracting blood. I thought of the past, not really reliving it, just thinking about it, thinking about how I've changed and as well as how everyone around me changed. I thought about history, wondering if I'd even make a difference if I were to live, like father and mother had upon the throne. I remembered for some weird reason that mother had been in this position once with Flauvic in her company. Now it was happening to me, but the situation was altered. Mother had survived such a situation with the help of the Hill Folk. I don't think any Hill Folk will save the day today. I can't count on anyone right now, but myself. I had to depend on myself. I'm going to be the heroine for once, the one to save everyone by myself and with no one else. I struggled, as my will to live filled me again, though in doing so, he nicked my skin and I started to bleed, blood starting to stain his hands and my clothing. Not caring, I still struggled against him, stomping on his feet, trying to trip him, and trying in every way possible to get him to release my hands from his arm all without killing myself in the process. Luck was with me as I struggled for he didn't get enough time to think and just slam the sword and end my life then and there.

"Oh, the fire in you has relit, has it? No matter, too late to do much now." He said, grunting a bit, as he tried to keep me still and under control.

"Not if I have anything to do with it."

The edge bit into my skin more. It stung. The thought of it started to make me nauseous, but it didn't stop me.

"Stop struggling! You're ruining your damn death."

"Yeah, sorry about that, but I rather not be your sick entertainment. If you'd like, I'll let you be the entertainment," I said, morbidly.

I looked to Flauvic for any ideas as to how I could flee and fight back. He stood, still behind the barrier. He gestured wildly, desperately at his wrist. Then, it hit me and not a second too soon, as Damien started to apply pressure onto the sword's edge and onto my hurting neck.

-Flashback [to chapter 13]-

"Elestra, wait." He said.

I took a step back away from the dark room and looked at him, wondering why he wanted to wait for.

"Here, you might need this more than me." He said, almost in one breath.

Why is he acting so nervous, I wondered. He took my hand into his and placed the object into my hand, as quick as he could and then entered the room without me. Surprise and confusion captured me, as I stared at Flauvic's wrist sheath, complete with his knife. The knife he had once threatened me with was in my hands now. Men are so strange. Life is so strange. I quit staring at it and decided to think over it later on. Perhaps, he was right. I might need it, though I hoped not to. I placed it on my wrist, the weight an odd, but welcomed comfort for me. My skin tingled where he held my hand and I rubbed it distractedly, as I followed him into the room. I didn't know what to say about what he did. I didn't even understand why he did it at all. A small peek at his face, as I sidestepped him to move further into the room, showed that he didn't quite understand why he did that, as well.

-End Flashback-

From then on, it was as if someone else possessed my body. A swift flick of my wrist and the sheath released the knife in a lithe motion, the hilt landing perfectly in my palm. Mere milliseconds later, the finely honed blade embedded itself into Damien stomach with influence from my hand and as I did so, the sword was knocked away by the hilt by my other hand, missing the chance to kill me entirely when it dug itself into the sand yards away. A rapid spin around and an extended elbow aimed for Damien's head, knocked him out and backwards, before he could react. It appears that I had won the interesting game between us, though it was really more than a game.

I didn't have time to think about what I've done or look at Damien's comatose body and in no time at all, I was before Flauvic and the invisible barrier that kept us from each other. I didn't want to look at him for fear of what I'd see there, though my thoughts were all about what I might see in his eyes, in his face, in his own thoughts. Before him, I did the first thing that came to mind, in freeing him, which was ruin the white powdered circle around him and hoped for the best. Rewarded with the ever-graceful Flauvic stumbling forwards in the sand, I turned away from him and looked back to Damien, pooling in his red blood and breathing unevenly. Already, he looked close to death and guilt poured upon me.

"We have to get back," I said hoarsely to Flauvic, as I ran toward Damien, so I could try to stop the blood forgetting about myself.

Fortunately, Flauvic didn't hesitate and he grabbed my bloodied hand, as I clutched Damien's limp one. A chant of words and a whirl of winds intermingled with sand grains and then, we were back in Lord Devin's empty room. I didn't notice the change of the darkness in the room to the darkness beneath my eyes, as I joined Damien in unconsciousness. I fell away, feeling warmth around me, the last lingering touch of my reality, as I drifted to a land of dreams.

-A Week Later In Raea-

My eyes fluttered opened to whiteness. Bright white everything everywhere, or at least the ceiling for my body felt too heavy to move. For a second, I thought I had died, thought that my body had given out in the end and I was in heaven or something of the sort. Another second and I was able to think rationally for mother's face, stained with salty water, appeared in front of me. She yelped a cry of joy and hugged me tight. I opened my mouth to ask her to let go or at least let me breathe, but my mouth only emitted dry coughs, which resulted in her letting me go anyway.

"Here, drink some of this." She said, moving a glass of water to my lips almost immediately.

"Thanks. What happened? Where am I?" I asked, but it came out in a soft whisper, feeling the cool and soothing water run down my throat.

It seemed my endless supply of questions were ever ready to serve me.

"Surprisingly, Flauvic found me and the others. Did you know he was here? Well, he's not here anymore, actually. He disappeared once everyone was found and you were stable enough here in the healer's ward."

"Oh," was all I could reply.

"Is Damien alright as well?"

Mother nodded reassurance, running her hands through my hair. Tears of relief pricked her eyes. I must have scared and worried her so much, I thought guiltily.

"He's been stripped of his lands, rank, power, and everything that has been given to him. They dragged him off to a dungeon right after he was all healed. No worries about him getting anywhere, they made a magical barrier just for him."

I breathed a sigh of relief. But how could that have been all done already, I thought, perpetually questioningly.

"Have I been here long?"

Mother nodded, tears starting to drop. Her hand stroked my cheek, as if making sure I was awake and warm with life.

"You had me so worried," She whispered. "Especially when you took so long to wake up."

"You know me. I like to sleep in like Uncle Bran." I replied with a grin.

"No, you don't. You're always pouring over a book in the mornings. Your mind is much sharper in the mornings, mind you," She said and added, jokingly. "Unlike your Uncle."

We laughed a bit and talked some more, before she left to bring me some food and let me rest awhile. Rest, it seemed, was not in the schedule for before I could shut my eyes, someone stepped into the healer's ward to see me. It was Rhianna.

"Hey," I greeted, happily.

She greeted me back with a shy hi. She stood there by the doorway, appearing hesitant to enter the room.

"You've been okay, while I was asleep?"

She nodded and then her eyes sprouted tears.

"Come over here," I said, pointing to the chair mother had vacated. "What's wrong? Don't cry."

"I am what's wrong!" She exclaimed. "Damien wanted me to kill you and I nearly did."

"I don't blame you. I mean, I can get annoying sometimes." I joked, trying to bring a smile to her face.

Given a faint laugh and the smile I was looking for, I said, seriously this time.

"I really don't blame you. Damien was manipulative and evil. He probably threatened you or something to put you up to it. Anyway, you tried to save me, instead of kill me, when it came down to it. Now, don't be upset about it. I forgive you, though there's nothing really to forgive when it was all trickery from Damien's part."

"Thanks," She replied teary. "Thank you for being such a great friend, knowing what to say and everything all the time."

She hugged me.

"Me know what to do all the time? Psh," I responded, patting her back. "I'm driving myself crazy about the right thing to do all the time."

Releasing each other from the other's grasp, we smiled and talked like we used to.

"You're curious about what went on between Damien and me, aren't you?" She asked, after a while of talking.

"You know me too well," I replied, shaking my head and grinning widely.

A sigh released from her lips and she explained.

"I never was comfortable around Lord Damien, I mean, Mr. Minyet. He always acted suspicious to me, always made me think of him in a negative perspective, even when he acted all good to everyone and did nothing against me. Father and mother got mad at me sometimes for acting rude to him occasionally. They both thought I was just being paranoid. I'm glad to know now that I'm not. His father died recently and then, he started persuading father to pass some of the responsibility of father's unto him. Father said that he only wanted to help unload the burden of running the lands for a while. I thought otherwise, but by then, I had given up voicing such opinions. I knew no one would believe me and they'd get upset undoubtedly."

I nodded empathically and reached out to hold her hand, as her voice trembled a little with emotion.

"When father became ill, everyone turned to him, grateful that he knew all there was to do about the lands, while father recovered. The advisors and the others didn't see the obvious. They didn't see that he was slowly causing everyone to forget about father. They slowly ceased asking about him and I didn't know why. I thought they cared, but now I know that they had most likely fallen under some spell. Mother didn't even notice Damien's actions or what was happening around her, as she retreated to father's side and I couldn't do anything about it, since everyone thought I held a grudge or something against him with my unkind behavior around him. Slowly, as father's illness got more serious, I forgot couldn't do anything, but try to help father and cause him less stress, as he tried to get better. One day though, while passing the kitchens, I saw him leave the kitchens with a pitcher of water and heading towards father's room. Everyone else wouldn't have thought more of it, thinking that he was just going to bring more water for father, but to me, it just didn't seem right, especially the way his eyes darted this way and that, as he moved to father's room. Luckily, I was in the shadows and he didn't see me, so I followed him. It got stranger from there for when I peered in through a crack at the door. I saw Damien pouring something into the water and mixing it hastily, in the dark. The only way I even saw it was from the light in the hallways. He noticed it quickly and spotted me, before I could hide. He grabbed me, before I could do anything, he spelled me when he muttered something, not that I knew it then that he was casting something over me. I tried to get away, but he said to stay still and against my will, I did. I fought against it and pain was stabbing me everywhere. I had never been so scared in my life." She continued. Her skin paling as she reminisced.

Her shoulders heaved, as she sobbed into her hands and I quickly moved to hug her, letting her cry on my shoulder.

"Don't cry, it's over now." I said, soothingly and patting her back. "There, there, it's okay."

"He said not to breathe a word of it to anyone and I'm so relieved now I can with the spell is broken when you and Flauvic saved us." She breathed deeply, calming herself and reining in her emotions. She lifted her head off my shoulder and smiled a smile of thanks, as I released her from my hug. "He made me do his dirty work when he didn't use his stupid illusions to do it for him. I think whenever he used that spell on me. I think it took a lot out of him when I struggled, since he was always hurrying me away after he said what to do, his skin sweating so much water. Bleh, his skin was so cold and clammy when he pushed me away to do whatever he desired." She said with a shiver of revulsion.

"Sounds nasty," I commented with scrunching my face.

"It was," she replied, nodding in agreement. "That was the only reason, I almost killed you. I really didn't want to, honest. It was tearing me apart inside and I tried so hard to break free of his command, but I couldn't for long. I'm so glad that I at least warned you."

"I understand. It just didn't seem right that you'd do something like that."

Breathing in and releasing a breath of relief, she went on with her explanation.

"I'm glad you're okay now. I felt so guilty for bringing you to Raea and getting you hurt. I only wanted to get help so I could get Damien put away and seen for what he truly is and the only person I thought could do that was your mother with her powers. It took me so long to outwit him and escape to get your mother's help and everything without raising suspicions from him."

I laughed. "What a surprise it must have been, when in the end, Flauvic and I were involved and took care of Damien, instead of mother."

She nodded and got a long unused impish look on her face.

"So what is going on with you and Flauvic? You should have seen his face when you were unconscious and everything, as the healer tended to you. I almost thought that he'd blow up the healer, if he was brought any bad news about you."

I giggled at the ridiculousness of her thoughts.

"I doubt that he would have done that. He was probably worried that the only witness to his good deeds would die on him, causing him to be partially blamed for the troubles along with Damien. "

Rhianna looked at me skeptically, her old personality shining through.

"You weren't there though. I tell you, I honestly think he has feelings for you."

My face dropped and I fell silent. I didn't know what to think anymore. It is so complicated and it'll probably stay that way, since he has ditched me behind without answering my questions or at least waiting until I awoke.

"You okay, Ele," Rhianna asked, concerned when she noticed my change of mood. "Are you in pain still? Should I get your mother or the healer?"

I shook my head.

"No, I'm fine. Don't worry." I said with a plastered grin.

"Maybe I'll go and let you get your rest."

The suggestion was not objected and she left me to my thoughts. Sadly, with those thoughts of mine, I still didn't get any rest until mother came in and cast a small sleeping spell to help me rest better, not that it kept dreams from appearing or kept away the figments of Flauvic.

-Quick Narration In Elestra's Perspective-

Days went by before I had recovered enough to leave the ward. Training with Raea's training master, I strengthened my body and learned of new techniques in fighting, so I could improve my style. It was an idea that I learned could be quite helpful in whatever the future may bring. It also kept me from thinking about him and where he was now.

Soon enough, everything was settled. The lies and rumors Damien had spread were cleared up and the thoughts of revolt and destruction were replaced with work and their normal routines. Healers made sure Lord Devin was perfectly fine, so did mother. They didn't want to take any chances. Lady Aislinn was never so happy to see her husband up and around again, unlike the bedridden husband she had stuck beside for so long, the last few weeks.

The Demalmis hosted a celebration for mother and me, before we left. An insane part of me kept an eye on the balcony, hoping to see a shadow of him until I ran into a servant there when I thought he was Flauvic. After scolding myself for being such a foolish girl, I enjoyed myself at the ball and exhausted myself so that I had no dreams that night. When the morning of which we were to set off came, I was pleasantly surprised with Rhianna's decision to join me on the ride to Athanarel. Happily, I set off for home. Settled with thoughts that Flauvic wasn't going to return.

It felt like that moment when he left me as Mr. Mysterious, after I asked if he was a criminal of some kind. I understood why he, as Mr. Mysterious, had left. I knew he left, because of his past. He knew he couldn't hide everything from me forever. He truly had left my side, but then, I needed him, so he came back, but only as his true self. Therefore, it was true that Mr. Mysterious wasn't going to come, as much as I denied the idea when Damien posed as him. Why Flauvic did all this, I don't think I'll ever be able to ask him, even if he was before me. The same went for the other questions, he left unanswered and ignored. I could only get over it, get over him, forget the questions, and move on, if I was even able to. If I truly wanted to, in my mind, in my heart, in my soul.

It is expected that some things weren't meant to be the same. Big events and sometimes even little events change everything and anything, but I just wanted to get back home to routines and things that I knew and understood. I knew I would never be content with the way things were or are after all that had happened, like the days after Flauvic first met me, but I would be content enough, like I was when Flauvic returned. Normalcy was just all I wanted, at least for a while.

---A Weeks After Arriving In Athanarel---

My laughter filled the air, as I chatted with Rhianna. Happier times were upon everyone as summer was sinking in. We toiled up a beautiful forest dirt path. I had found an amazing cliff top, which gave a breath-taking view of the world. It was secluded and a perfect place for a picnic, as well as the perfect way to end Rhianna's trip over to my home.

"Are we there yet?" Rhianna asked.

"You're tired already? I thought your stamina was your forte." I said, smirking.

"Stamina went out the window when I saw this long trail."

I laughed.

"Don't fret, we're almost there. It's worth the long hike."

"It better be. As much as I love the landscape, a girl's has to rest and eat sometime. The food in here," She said, pointing to the picnic basket in my hands, "Smells wonderfully delicious."

"It is," I replied. "We're almost there, only two hundred more yards."

"What!" She exclaimed.

"I'm kidding," I said, attempting to slow her string of exclamations between my fits of laughter at her behavior. "It's just past that patch of wild berry bushes."

"Thank goodness," She cried and rushed ahead.

A second later and I heard a cry of incredulity from her, as I past those said bushes.

"Beautiful, right?" I asked, not doubting that she loved the view like I did.

"Of course!" She responded, eyes not leaving the treetops and roofs, below her.

"Hey," She said, seconds later. "Are you planning to bring Flauvic over here, so you can tell him how much you love him?"

I choked on the drink of water, I had swallowed halfway. I coughed out a startled response.

"What?"

"Heehee," She chuckled. "He'll love it, no doubt."

She was bowled over with laughter when I babbled nonsense, blushing like those ripe red berries.

"Argh," I finally cried. "Stop laughing! I thought you were hungry anyway. I will starve you, if you keep talking that impossible nonsense."

She shut up immediately, but it didn't keep that knowing, laughing smile from her face, as she helped me set up the blanket and food. We both started eating and talking about safer subjects.

"You know," She started to say, as she took a sip of her glass of water to wash everything down. "I do think that he'll come back, but not with that 'I don't want to see or talk to him or he'll lose his head in no time flat' behavior. "

"I'm not acting like that."

"Uh huh," She replied, skeptically. "I've seen the way you've been treating that practice dummy every morning lately."

"It's training. It's practice. How else will I improve my fighting style?"

"You won't have a dummy to practice on when its stuffing finally explodes out."

I laughed at the mental picture.

"Okay, okay. I'll be nicer to the inanimate object with no facial aspects, arms, or legs, if you don't count the stick holding him up."

We looked at each other seriously, before collapsing in laughter.

"Whew," I said. "Now that that's over with how about we clean up and head back."

"Sure, we'll make it back in time for everyone to mob me with farewells and hugs."

"What fun that'll be," I said, while I laughed evilly.

"Joy," She replied sarcastically.

We just finished putting the things back in the wicker basket when we heard riding near us. We both looked up from our kneeling positions.

"Flauvic?" I uttered incredulously, as he tied his horse's reins around a tree and walked toward us.

My eyes felt like they were going to pop out with surprise. Rhianna just laughed.

"Ah, so this is the legendary Flauvic Merindar. Pleasure to meet you finally." She said, smiling when he finally got right before us.

"Lady Rhianna, Elestra was quite worried about you the last time I met with her. I'm glad to see that you are fine now."

"I am," She replied with a polite nod and turned back to me, taking the basket of things from me. "I'll take this and leave you lovebirds to catch up."

"Lovebirds," I croaked and quickly stepped past Rhianna to catch her. "Life, come back here Rhianna! Argh!"

Sadly or not so sadly, she ran back to the castle, laughing, before I could catch her. I sighed, hands slightly trembling. Was this not what I wanted? To finally ask him my questions. I wondered nervously. What am I to say first or should I let him talk first?

"Er…good afternoon," I said unsure, spinning to face him.

"Good afternoon." He replied, curtly, as if I had interrupted his picnic. However, technically, my picnic was practically done anyway. "Care to sit down with me."

I nodded and followed him, as he boldly sat down at the cliff's edge. I hesitantly and carefully sat down beside him, after a couple of seconds.

"Um…so what are you doing back?"

"I used to live here. I have a right to come back and visit."

"Yeah, but you said to father that you give up your rights to Merindar almost immediately after I left for Raea."

"Hence, the keywords 'used to live here'."

"Fine then."

Silence echoed between us. I sighed again, a breath tinged with sadness of an unknown reason to me or at least, it wasn't entirely unknown.

"Whydidyoudoallthethingsthatyouhavedone?" I said all in a breath and rushed together as if was one word.

"Pardon?"

"You know what I said."

"All I heard was, Whydidyoudoallthethingsthatyouhavedone."

I glared at him and that glare fell apart when I saw a smile creep up his cheeks.

"Stop playing around!" I cried.

"Okay," He said, seriously.

Again, my mind went reeling in shock. What he was thinking, how he thought, all the purposes behind his words were something I'd probably never understand.

"Really?" I said, doubting.

He nodded.

"So you'll answer the question why, honestly?"

His eyes softened, something I don't think he's known for doing. He almost looked nervous, as he gripped the cliff's ledge. I waited for his answer. I was certain it was worth the wait.

"You sure you want to know," He asked softly, all traces of his playfulness gone. "I'm going to only answer that one question. Whether you're satisfied with it or not, I can't help you there."

"It'll stop me from wondering, so of course, I want to know why." I said, sure that I wanted to know what caused him to do all this.

He nodded understanding, seeming so calmed now that I've answered him, unlike myself with my body numb with cold on this warm summer's day.

"Out of the blue, I met you and took you hostage, in a world that has changed so much since I last breathed upon it. I left Athanarel only to come back. I didn't even know why I came back, only that I couldn't stop thinking about you." He explained.

I didn't interrupt him, only getting flustered by the second and blushing by each word he said. I looked to my hands in my lap, not able, not willing to look at his face, fearing that he'd be staring right back at me.

"Out of the blue, I found myself different, changed. Not that many would believe that," He said in contempt and bitterness, which I think was mostly aimed at himself, at all that he had done.

"I believe you," I said quietly. "I've seen it."

"Thanks," He replied, as I smiled, still not daring to peer at him. Who knew Flauvic was able to thank anyone, I thought jokingly.

"Before I knew it, I was involved with you again." He continued with his answer. "I tried to help you. I warned you. I did things I never thought I'd do with my heart actually in it. You know why, Elestra? I realized that out of the blue, I've fallen…I'm falling in love….with you."

With his last sentence, I looked at him finally and saw his gorgeous eyes watching me, watching my surprise, my reaction. I think he saw what he needed to see, beneath my surprised expression. Flauvic as Mr. Mysterious had been more open and sentimental, but I never knew completely that under those disguises held such emotions. I never knew what drove him to help me and now I did and I knew exactly how I felt. He leaned into me and we kissed a breathtaking, fireworks blasting, body melting, fiery, passionate, earth-shattering kiss. Out of the blue, he pulled away, leaving me stunned and a bit slow in reflexes.

"But I know we can't be." He whispered, staring into my face, as if trying to burn it into his memory.

I didn't know what to do. I only held the hands that were on my cheeks in my grasp. He pulled away from my touch finally, getting up to release his horse, in a fluid movement and he was galloping away. I got up swiftly, but he was already too far from me. I just stood there staring after him, watching his horse kick up dust, as he sped away from me. Perhaps it was the last time I'd ever see him, perhaps I'd see him sooner than I thought. Then, I bolted. Bolted for home for there was something left unfinished. There was something someone had to know, before it was too late and I couldn't wait to do it.

Not Waiting Anymore

By & Belongs Only To: WakeRobin a.k.a. Judy T.

In and out, you come and go,

Leaving me in hidden woe,

Why must I always miss,

Your eyes, your face, and your tender kiss,

Just why should I reminisce,

When you leave me just like this,

Maybe because you've captured my heart,

And I dream of only you when we're apart,

Perhaps that's the reason why,

Why I don't want your goodbye,

What do these feelings signify,

Won't you stay beside me,

Must you always be set free,

Will I have to wait forever,

Just so we'll finally be together,

In your thoughts you'll dream I'll wait,

But I won't do so for your sake,

I'm not going to stay around here,

Under good watch and good care,

Not waiting for you to come this time,

I've finally gotten fate's little sign,

For I must go run free too,

So I can always fly with you.

STORY DEDICATED TO RHEXI

For Always Urging Me To Update

For Being A Great Friend

Happy Birthday!

-Completed-

[WakeRobin] So was Flauvic being honest or lying like the jerk he used to be? Why did Elestra run back to the palace? Is it happily ever after? It's up to you to decide. That's the end of my first fanfiction everyone! Thank you everyone for reading and reviewing. Thanks for listening to my ramblings and for giving me confidence in my writing. I LOVE ALL OF YOU SO MUCH!!!!

I had written up this whole amazing goodbye speech to my fanfiction writing career, but after much persuasion (man, some people are so crazy for me to write more….not mentioning names, but you know who you are and how happy you make me), I will write maybe one more or maybe even write my original stuff again. Yay! Ah, the stuff I do to make you all happy (Okay and to make myself happy too, but it's mostly for all of you out there). It'll be awhile though, so for now visit my original works at fictionpress, I'm under the same penname. I hope you all enjoyed this extra long chapter. Remember, if I get 100 reviews, there'll be an epilogue with another poem by me just for all of you. Trust me, it's worth reading, so just review. Again, I love you all lots and thanks for all the joy you've given me. =D

Final Farewells [Unless I get to write the epilogue]

RoxyBarbieH8er: If you are still reading this, thanks for a wonderful first review. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you keep writing.

FelSong: Thanks for everything! You've been so great to me and I appreciate it. I hope this story was close to what you wanted. Keep writing your amazing stuff. Oh and who's the best kisser Danric or Flauvic, well I can't choose, can't I have them both? Lol.

Erkith: OMG, you've been the best reviewer of them all, always inflating my ego to no ends. Thank you for all the sweet compliments and support. ::hugs:: You are the BEST! Thanks so much!!!! As you see, I will be writing another fanfiction, but it might be a while, but it'll be out. =) Keep waiting and writing!

Amanda: You've only reviewed once, but thanks for it. I only wished you've reviewed more. Remember 100 reviews will bring an epilogue.

Hypatia: Same as said for Amanda.

Emerald-Random: I always look forward to your energetic and kind reviews. Thanks for them. I hope you understand everything now. =)

Sophianwin: I'm not entirely sure if you read this fanfiction, but thanks for the review.

Bri: I hope you found the Firebirds anthology and read Beauty. I also hope you've read this fanfiction too. Thanks for the review.

Ali: Thanks for the help in the earlier chapters. I hope you've read this story and liked it. Thanks for the review!!

Pingpong867: Thanks for the honest criticism. I hope you liked the story.

Cheese12: Thanks for the review, though it was only one. I hope you've continued reading this. I only wished you reviewed more. Remember 100 reviews will bring an epilogue.

Baddums: Thanks for the reviews. I enjoyed reading them. =D

Rasmus: Thanks for the review. I hope you read up to here and enjoyed it. Remember 100 reviews will bring an epilogue.

Ereshkigal Girl: Thanks for the reviews. I hope you liked what you read.

Another Chance: Thanks for the review. I wished that you only reviewed more. Keep writing! Remember 100 reviews will bring an epilogue.

Rane292007: Thanks for the support in reviews and in emails. It's been great learning about you. J-Club will forever be a good part of my life, lol. Thanks for being such a devoted reviewer and for being a good friend. =) I hope to stay in contact.

Rhexi: I dedicated the whole story to you for your birthday. I hope you like that. Well, I can't believe still that your logic in finding my penname is so good, but I'm glad I have a friend to talk about writing to. Thanks for everything. I hope we still stay in contact after you transfer. Keep writing!!!!!!

Adiralinnet: Thanks for the review. I only wish that you had review more. Remember 100 reviews will bring an epilogue. I hope you like that I've ended it at fifteen chapters, instead of thirteen.

The Jade Lady: So I have updated and here I am at the end. I hope it was worth reading.

Starbrush: Thanks for the review. I hope you liked the story. Remember 100 reviews will bring an epilogue.

JasAbby: I hope you've continued reading up to now and it makes sense. Enjoy it? I hope so. I only wish that you had review more. Remember 100 reviews will bring an epilogue.

Jowa: Thanks for enjoying the story. I hope you're still not confused. Remember 100 reviews will bring an epilogue.

Desolator The Dragon: Thanks for the suggestion and critique. I hope you liked this story.

Lady Starfire: Yeah, it seems my writing is a bit twisted and different. Makes it unique, in my opinion. I hope you liked it. Lol. Elestra did get her 'paws' off Damien eventually and kicked his arse too, in the end. I hope you liked it. Keep writing!!!!

Whew, that's it! [Sorry, if I forgot anyone! Didn't do it on purpose.] I've finished my first fanfiction and I'm so happy. Thanks everyone for the great experience!!!

So until next time, keep reading and reviewing. Love you all always!!!! Wake-Robin

I hope to write an epilogue for all of you….

So MORE Last Time REVIEW PLEASE!!!! =)